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Son takes the reins to rejuvenate company ; SECURITY [Newcastle Journal (England)]
[February 18, 2014]

Son takes the reins to rejuvenate company ; SECURITY [Newcastle Journal (England)]


(Newcastle Journal (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) AMARKETING specialist who changed his career when his father asked him to take over the family CCTV and intruder alarm business is celebrating after securing new jobs and recognition from a national awards scheme.



Chris Pattinson took over the reins of Forest Hall-based Tyneside Security last year when his father became a full-time carer for his mother who developed terminal cancer.

Since then Pattinson has turned around the business, converting a Pounds 20,000 loss to pre-tax profit of Pounds 17,000, with turnover up 30% to Pounds 300,000.


He said: "I've literally had to learn the security business from scratch and rebuild our client base which dipped when my father was spending time caring for my mother.

"I've brought in expertise from my marketing career and listened to the experiences of my father to ensure that Tyneside Security remains one of the UK's leading security companies." The business was set up in 1982 to install, service and maintain intruder alarms.

It was recently rewarded for its quality, customer service and workmanship when it was shortlisted for an award at the Security Excellence Awards in London.

Although it didn't win, the firm was the only one from the North East to be nominated.

Pattinson added: "This is testament to the hard work we've all put in to give our customers the very best experience possible, something I've carried on from my father's legacy." The business has around 1,500 customers on a maintenance contract and has just marked its 6000th installation.

It employs four engineers and four support staff including newly recruited sales and marketing apprentice Bethany Jackson, 17, from South Shields.

New technology has also had a positive impact on the business. Tyneside Security's new systems use state-of-the-art technology to transmit images to smart phones and tablets and with wireless power and transmission, there is no mess at the installation stage.

These factors have contributed to the firm winning larger contracts for businesses as well as domestic properties.

Pattinson said: "We've just put 30 cameras into a business on the Team Valley and are looking to work with care homes, housing associations and large warehousing operations.

"Sadly though, many people still really only consider getting security measures fitted into their homes after a burglary. " If Tyneside Security's plans to land bigger contracts comes off, more workers will be recruited.

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